How to Send a Temporary Photo on Instagram: Your Complete Guide

Instagram’s ephemeral photo sharing feature, where images and videos vanish after being viewed, offers a fun and discreet way to connect. Mastering this function lets you share spontaneous moments without cluttering profiles and allows for private, engaging conversations.

Sending a temporary photo on Instagram is a straightforward process, primarily accomplished through Instagram Direct. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Open Instagram and navigate to Direct: Tap the paper airplane icon located in the top right corner of your home feed. This opens your Direct inbox.
2. Choose an existing conversation or start a new one: Select the chat with the person you want to send the temporary photo to, or tap the pen and paper icon (usually in the top right) to start a new conversation.
3. Access the camera: In the chat window, tap the camera icon located at the bottom left of the screen. This launches the Instagram camera.
4. Capture your photo or video: Use the camera to take a new photo or video. You can also tap the gallery icon (usually a small square showing your recent photos) to select an image or video from your camera roll.
5. Edit and enhance (optional): Before sending, you can use Instagram’s built-in tools to add filters, text, drawings, stickers, and other effects to your photo or video.
6. Choose the viewing option: This is the crucial step for sending a temporary photo. At the bottom of the screen, you’ll see three options:
   • View Once: The recipient can only view the photo or video once. After they close it, it disappears.
   • Allow Replay: The recipient can view the photo or video once, and then replay it one more time. After the second viewing, it disappears.
   • Keep in Chat: This sends the photo or video as a regular message that remains visible in the chat history unless manually deleted. Make sure you DO NOT select this option if you want the photo to disappear.
7. Send: After selecting your desired viewing option (View Once or Allow Replay), tap the blue send button (usually represented by an arrow) to send the temporary photo or video.

And that’s it! The recipient will receive a notification and be able to view the photo according to the option you selected. The message bubble in your Direct inbox will indicate whether the photo can be viewed once or replayed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about sending temporary photos on Instagram:

How do I know if someone has viewed my temporary photo?

Instagram will notify you when the recipient has viewed your temporary photo or video. The chat thread will indicate “Seen” with the time of viewing. If you chose the “Allow Replay” option, you’ll also receive a notification when they replay the photo or video.

Can I send a temporary photo to multiple people at once?

Yes, you can send a temporary photo or video to multiple people by creating a group chat or selecting multiple recipients when starting a new message in Instagram Direct. The viewing options (View Once, Allow Replay) will apply to all recipients in the group chat.

Can I send a temporary photo in a group chat?

Absolutely! The process for sending a temporary photo in a group chat is exactly the same as sending it to an individual. Just navigate to the group chat, access the camera, capture or select your photo/video, choose “View Once” or “Allow Replay,” and send.

What happens if someone screenshots my temporary photo?

Instagram typically sends you a screenshot notification if the recipient takes a screenshot of a disappearing photo or video in Direct. However, this feature is not foolproof and may not always work. It’s always wise to be mindful of what you share, even with disappearing messages.

Can I send a temporary photo from my computer?

The ability to send temporary photos and videos is primarily available through the Instagram mobile app. The desktop version of Instagram (accessed through a web browser) has limited Direct messaging functionality, and often does not support sending disappearing content. Check for updates to Instagram’s web interface, as features are frequently added.

Can I resend a temporary photo after it’s been sent?

No, once you send a temporary photo or video using the “View Once” or “Allow Replay” option, you cannot resend it in its original, disappearing format. You would need to capture or select the photo/video again and resend it with the desired viewing option.

Is there a way to disable the screenshot notification for temporary photos I receive?

No, there is no way to disable screenshot notifications for temporary photos you receive. If someone sends you a disappearing photo, and you take a screenshot, they will likely be notified. The best approach is to respect the sender’s intention of sending a temporary message and avoid taking screenshots.

What is the difference between sending a temporary photo and posting to my Instagram Story?

While both features involve ephemeral content, they serve different purposes. Instagram Stories are public and visible to all your followers (or a selected “Close Friends” list) for 24 hours. Temporary photos in Direct are private and sent directly to specific individuals or groups. Stories are meant for broadcasting to a wider audience, while disappearing Direct messages are for more intimate, one-on-one conversations.

Can I use filters and effects on temporary photos?

Yes, you can use all the same filters, stickers, text, drawings, and other effects on temporary photos and videos as you would on regular Instagram posts or Stories. The editing tools are fully available when capturing or selecting content to send in Direct.

Are temporary photos saved anywhere by Instagram?

While Instagram states that temporary photos are not permanently stored after they have been viewed, it’s important to remember that any digital content could potentially be accessed or stored. Exercise caution and good judgment when sharing sensitive or private information, even with disappearing messages.

Can I report a temporary photo someone sends me?

Yes, you can report inappropriate or offensive content sent to you as a temporary photo. The reporting process is similar to reporting other content on Instagram. If you receive something that violates Instagram’s Community Guidelines, you can usually report it by pressing and holding on the message.

What if the recipient doesn’t have the latest version of Instagram? Will they still be able to view the temporary photo?

While generally, yes, they should be able to view it, older versions of Instagram might not fully support all features. It’s recommended that all users keep their Instagram app updated to the latest version to ensure compatibility and access to all available features, including the correct rendering of disappearing photos and videos. If a recipient is using an outdated app, they might experience issues viewing the temporary photo, or the feature might not work as intended.